What does a Hotel Receptionist do?

A Hotel Receptionist is often the first person guests interact with when they enter a hotel. Hotel Receptionists greet guests, handle room reservations and transfer incoming phone calls to guests’ rooms and suites. They assign room keys and key cards to incoming guests, as well as log the keys and coordinate room numbers in the hotel’s database. In smaller hotels and establishments with limited staff, Hotel Receptionist job duties may also include preparing the hotel’s self-serve continental breakfast area, providing guests with fresh towels and linens and ensuring the hotel lobby remains clean and orderly.

Hotel Receptionist skills and qualifications

A successful Hotel Receptionist should possess the following skills and qualifications needed to efficiently perform the duties required for the position:

• General computer knowledge

• Pleasant demeanor when interacting with hotel guests

• Good communication skills

• Organizational skills

• Ability to multitask

• Willingness to learn hotel computer system/software

• Problem-solving skills

• Customer service skills

Hotel Receptionist experience requirements

Experience requirements for Hotel Receptionist applicants can vary, depending on whether you’re planning to hire at entry level or prefer candidates with previous Hotel Receptionist careers. Entry-level experience requirements may include general math and comprehension skills and basic computer knowledge. Requirements for an experienced applicant often include previous employment as a Hotel Receptionist or front desk clerk, experience with multiline phone or dispatching systems and past customer service experience.

Hotel Receptionist education and training requirements

Hotel Receptionist applicants are usually required to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and they often receive on-the-job training to learn how to navigate the hotel’s front desk. While specific training requirements can vary based on the needs of the establishment, Hotel Receptionists are typically trained in areas that include telephone etiquette, multiline telephone systems and customer service. New hires may also receive training on the hotel’s computer system and credit card machine to handle reservations and transactions for lodging, room service and other accumulated expenses.

Hotel Receptionist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Hotel Receptionist is $15.24 per hour or $30,903 annually. It’s important to note that this salary is only an average, and specific salaries can vary based on geographical location, the company’s salary policies and an individual’s past experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Hotel Receptionist job description isn’t quite what your company is looking for, here are some similar positions to consider:

• Hotel Front Desk Clerk

• Front Desk Agent

• Receptionist

Hotel Receptionist job description FAQs

Who does a Hotel Receptionist report to?

Hotel Receptionists usually report directly to the Hotel Manager or Hotel Supervisor. The manager or supervisor assigns tasks to be completed each shift, and they handle a wide range of administrative matters such as scheduling, time card approvals and distribution of paychecks.

Are Hotel Receptionists the same as Hotel Concierges?

Hotel Concierges and Hotel Receptionists share some of the same duties, such as answering phones and assisting guests at the front desk, but a concierge typically has additional duties outside of a receptionist’s scope. Some common concierge duties include booking transportation, coordinating activities and scheduling dining reservations for guests.

Are Hotel Receptionists responsible for dispatching housekeeping and maintenance workers?

At smaller hotels or motels, Hotel Receptionists may be responsible for scheduling maintenance calls and dispatching housekeeping. However, many larger establishments employ separate dispatching teams to handle service calls so the receptionists can focus on assisting incoming and existing hotel guests.

What are some qualities to look for during a Hotel Receptionist job interview?

When interviewing potential candidates for a Hotel Receptionist position, some beneficial qualities to look for include a friendly demeanor and strong interpersonal skills. Since Hotel Receptionists work with the public on a regular basis, it’s important they possess qualities that allow them to interact positively with guests while ensuring their needs are met.